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Mazda3 GT Sport Review: Perfect hatchback for couples who don't have kids


This new Mazda3 hatchback looks a bit like the first ­generation Seat Leon.

Which itself looked a bit like a 1970s Alfa Romeo Alfasud.

What it doesn’t look like is every other modern hatchback, and that’s a good thing because variety is the spice of the car market. At least it is for me.

What makes this new Mazda distinctive, and what it has in common with the other cars that I’ve just mentioned, is a very wide C-pillar – the one that runs down the rear corners of your car.

It’s this wide C-pillar that gives the new Mazda3 its distinctive looks.

It is also what makes the car slightly unpleasant for rear seat passengers who will find it a bit dark and who won’t have a ­particularly good view out of the rather small rear windows.

Mazda’s engineers have gone to great effort to make this car as comfortable and relaxing as possible

Kids in particular might not like it, or tall adults who will have already bumped their heads on the roof on the way in.

The boot isn’t that big either, at only 358 litres.

But from now on in it’s pretty much good news.

Mazda’s engineers have gone to great effort to make this car as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

The seats are extremely comfortable and there’s a lot of steering wheel adjustment ­available so you’re guaranteed to find the ideal driving position.

Whereas most manufacturers are removing knobs, forcing you to control systems such as heating and ventilation via their cars’ touchscreens, Mazda has kept a selection of well-made and easy to find old-school controls.

The seats are extremely comfortable and there’s a lot of steering wheel adjustment available so you’re guaranteed to find the ideal driving position

 

There is, of course, a touchscreen and infotainment system too and, likewise, it’s very easy to use.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and not only is the dashboard simple to navigate, everything is very well made from good quality materials.

Our test car is in GT Sport trim, fitted with a 120bhp petrol engine.

Mazda very much goes its own way and this engine is a good example – as unlike most modern petrol engines it’s relatively large (at 1,998cc) and not turbocharged.

There’s also the option of a 1.8-litre diesel engine though very few people are likely to buy it.

You can choose between an automatic gearbox, which isn’t very good, or a standard six-speed manual box. Our test car has the manual option and it’s a peach with a very smooth precise action.

The engine itself is underpowered and pretty ­ordinary.

It’s economical but a bit lacklustre, but a much more interesting powerplant is about to be available and that’s the Skyactiv-X.

Our test car is in GT Sport trim, fitted with a 120bhp petrol engine

It’s a very advanced compression ignition petrol engine which should put out around 180bhp.

This should give the Mazda3 the go that it currently lacks.

Mazda’s boffins have also invented something rather clever called GVC, or G-Vectoring Control.

It monitors vehicle speed, throttle position and rate of steering wheel rotation and, as the driver turns into a corner, within 50 milliseconds reduces engine torque and retards the ignition timing to apply marginally more load to the outside front tyre, thereby helping the car turn into the corner.

Clever, eh?

Our test car costs £24,595 without options and, since the GT Sport comes with a lot of kit – including an excellent 12-speaker Bose audio system – there aren’t that many extras you need.

The Mazda3 is an interesting looking motor that will soon get the engine it deserves.

It’s the perfect hatchback for young couples who won’t fill the back with little people, and for older drivers who simply want a car that’s straightforward and comfortable.

THE FACTS

Mazda3 GT Sport five-door hatchback

Price: £24,595

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 120bhp

0-62mph: 10.4sec

Fuel consumption: 44.8mpg

THE RIVALS

Hyundai i30 SE Nav 1.4 N-Line

Hyundai i30 Fastback N Line will set you back £23,260

Good value, fastback version is almost as interesting looking as the Mazda.

Ford Focus ST Line X

The Ford Focus ST-Line X costs £24,645

Good to drive and comes with award winning Ecoboost 3-cylinder engine.

Volkswagen Golf GT 1.5 Evo

The Volkswagen Golf GT 1.5 Evo is a cool £24,605

Quality motor that’s a good place to put your money.





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